116 Different Fates (1/2)

Day 4 – 1:55 PM – San Miguel I Subdivision, Molino IV, Imus, Cavite

Mark, Mei and Abbygale who were on the back of Laelaps were leading the group. Due to the road not being maintained, the road had become cracked and eroded causing dents on the road here and there. Due to this, Laelaps could even run faster than the vehicles even if she did not run on her full speed.

Atop Laelaps' back, Mark was looking around not only to secure that their group would not suffer surprise attacks but he was also looking around the scenery. Since this part of the road was not that inhabited by people, the side of the road was filled with grass, bushes and trees. If it was before the outbreak, these plants would be looking unsightly. Now however, the vibrant lush green leaves that now covered the plants were giving the scenery a nice look.

Arriving near the end of the back road, it was the corner that led to Carlo's house. After turning on the corner however, everyone's countenance changed. It was not because there were a lot of infected nor did they see hostile people. Rather, it was because there were quite a number of dead bodies scattered across the street. The bodies did not look like they were killed by people nor they were eaten by the infected. It more looked like that their bodies were smashed into pieces.

Mark urged Laelaps to move forward as he looked around but he did not see any possible threats. The street was too quiet. Moving to next corner of the first block, there was a house that occupied two lots. It was Carlo's house. Mark however, sighed even before they arrived. It was because he knew that Carlo was bound to be disappointed. He could not detect any people inside his detection range. Meaning, Carlo's family were either dead or had left.

It would be good if they really left, at least, even though very small, there was a possibility for them to be alive. If not however, there was nothing that they could do.

Mark, Mei and Abbygale went down from Laelaps back as the place was confirmed to be safe. Laelaps on the other hand turned back into her normal size which was about the same height as Abbygale. Laelaps was a really large dog corresponding to her breed.

The people inside the vehicles went out after Mark told them that the area was safe. But of course, none of them went close to the mutilated bodies that littered across the street. Not only that the bodies looked gross, they also had started to emit a foul smell. It was already too long since the bodies were left here, if it was not for the cold weather in this month of December, these bodies would have started to rot even earlier.

”Carlo, you guys can carefully search inside. I'll keep guard here outside.”

Mark spoke.

”Alright.”

Carlo replied and was about to turn around when Mark tapped his shoulder making him look back.

”Don't expect too much. I can't detect anyone inside your house.”

”I know.”

Mark was surprised by his response.

As if Carlo knew what Mark was thinking, he continued with a bitter smile.

”Our cars are not here so I think they left.”

Hearing what Carlo said, Mark understood. With their family's vehicles not present, it was more likely that Carlo's family left. Considering the location of their house which was on the furthest block from the entrance of their subdivision, the possibility of someone else taking the vehicles away aside from Carlo's family members was close to none.

”Bro, I'll enter now. They must have left something for me.”

Mark nodded and let Carlo go to his house. It was obvious that Carlo was crestfallen after not finding his family here but at least there was a chance that they had gone to a safer place. Though it might also be possible for the opposite to happen, it was better to be optimistic at these kinds of situations.

Standing on the other side of the road, Mark watched Carlo who saw the front doors of their house locked. Carlo then went to the side of the house and lift up a potted plant revealing the spare key underneath. Together with Sundra, Carlo went inside after unlocking the door. Outside the house, the other members stretch out their legs that had gotten stiff due to sitting inside the rocking vehicles while looking around.

Mark on the other hand kept on observing the surroundings together with Mei while Abbygale was riding on the back of the normal sized Laelaps. Even if the dog was in its normal size, it was still big for the little girl to ride on her back.

”Nee~… Scary Uncle, let me ride on the dog…”

Emika made her way towards Mark and started nagging.

Mark scratched his head. This girl was even looking at him with puppy eyes.

”Later, alright? After we find a place to stay for the night, I'll let you play with Laelaps.”

”Promise?”

Emika stretched out her pinky finger which Mark accepted.

”Okay, promise!”

”Yey!”

With that, Emika happily skipped back to her mom who was also looking around the place with curiosity.

Seeing the green haired girl skipping happily would be a nice scene to see if not for her skipping between the dead mutilated bodies in the middle of the road.

As if waiting for the right timing, Anna who was fidgety approached Mark while carefully choosing the place to step on.

”I know. You want to look at your house right?”

Mark who saw through her intentions spoke before she could.

As her thoughts was seen through, there was no need for her to fidget around and directly replied.

”Yes.”

”Where is your house?”

Mark asked since the even though Anna and Carlo was neighbors, the closest house from Carlo's house was actually several lots away with the next house about two blocks away. Mark did not know why but this place was actually devoid of inhabitants for the most part leaving a large part of the subdivision vacant. Maybe, the people who lived here did not want close neighbors at all.

At Mark's question, Anna pointed at the house following the street. It was the fourth house closest to their position. It was about three blocks away in front of the subdivision's multipurpose plaza that could be seen from their location.

”Alright, we'll go with you. I also want to survey the area a bit.”

Mark said before facing the others around the vehicle.

”You guys stay here. We'll check Anna's house.”

”Can I go?”

Rollan spoke. Actually, he wanted to get away for some time as it was kind of awkward for him to stay with people, mostly, women that he did not really know. Furthermore, Carlo who was only other male, with Siegfried and Mikio who were children as exception, was also not around.

Mark noticed his best friend's situation so he could only nod. With that, Mark, Mei, Abbygale, Laelaps and Rollan would be going with Anna to check her house. Leaving the rest of the group, the five people and one dog walked away while keeping cautious of their surroundings.